Vascular endothelial growth factor activating matrix metalloproteinase in ascitic fluid during peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer.

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during peritoneal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma and the association with tumor microvessel density (MVD) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was investigated. To this end, MVD, tumor tissue and ascitic fluid levels of VEGF, and MMP activity of ascitic fluid were examined in patients with ovarian cancer and benign ovarian tumor. The effect of ascites on cell growth, cell invasion activity and angiogenesis was investigated in vitro.